Become A Host Family!

Dear Prospective Homestay Host Families,

Melbourne Girls’ College are reaching out to you with an exciting opportunity to become a part of our international student homestay program. 

We believe that opening your home to an international student can be an enriching cultural experience for you, your family, and the student. By becoming a homestay host, you have the chance to share your culture, traditions, and daily life while also learning about the student's background and experiences. Our program not only helps students adapt to their new environment but also allows you to create lasting memories and connections.

Melbourne Girls’ College International Students Program:

MGC accepts only 65 international students, mainly from East and Southeast Asian countries. The College enjoys a culturally diverse local student population which is complemented by our international students to provide a rich experience for all.

We run an international student group and international events for all students to take part in. 

If you’d like to know more about our program, check out our YouTube clip at: https://youtu.be/D8Nj7NFgJ4Q  and our website: International Students @ MGC - Melbourne Girls' College

Requirements for Homestay:

The homestay experience offers international students a chance to enhance their English skills, immerse in Australian culture, and optimize their international education. It is essential that homestay accommodation is of high quality and provides a safe, comfortable, and caring environment.

No more than three international students should be placed in one homestay without the approval of the school. To ensure proper supervision, homestay host parents must reside within the same building as the students.

Given that international students are teenagers adjusting to a new country, they might initially experience homesickness, loneliness, and fatigue. Adapting to a different lifestyle, cuisine, culture, and language while striving for academic success can be challenging. During this transitional phase, your support and understanding are invaluable in helping them overcome cultural dislocation.

Homestay as full board accommodation offered by a family, a couple or a single person for which a set weekly fee is charged. This fee covers all expenses associated with providing food and shelter to an international student. This includes providing:

• A separate single room for the student’s use
• Three meals a day, seven days a week
• Facilities – a bed, wardrobe, towels and linen 
• Utilities – gas, internet, electricity, heating and water costs
• Cleaning services of common living areas
• Use of living areas within residence
• Study facilities – desk, study light, bookcase.

What Hosts Can Expect:

Host families play a crucial role in aiding students' cultural adjustment, fostering community engagement, and facilitating social integration. When Australian families with school-attending children are involved, students can form strong bonds, sharing experiences that enhance the homestay connection and enrich their cultural exposure.

In return for your hospitality, you can expect various benefits from being a homestay host:

• Payment: You will receive homestay payment to help cover the costs associated with hosting, such as food and utilities.
• Cultural Enrichment: Hosting an international student allows you to gain insights into different cultures and perspectives.
• Long-lasting Connections: Many hosts and students develop strong bonds that last well beyond the student's stay.
• Support: Our ISP team is dedicated to supporting both hosts and students throughout their homestay journey.

We invite you to join our growing community of homestay hosts and make a positive impact on an international student's oversea study life. Your commitment to creating a welcoming home can contribute to a transformative experience for the student and enrich your own life in ways you might never have imagined.

If you're interested in becoming a homestay host or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via the College number 9428 8955, or email: istudents@mgc.vic.edu.au We're here to assist you every step of the way.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference in an international student's life.

Warm regards,

International Student Program